Considered to be one of the most influencial characters in the Transformers world, Hasbro’s Leader Class Jetfire storms the shelves.
Price: 46.95 USD
Released: 3rd Quarter 2014
Where to buy: TFsource
Hasbro Leader Class Jetfire mad leaps and bounds as collectors were eager to have their hands (and paws) on the figure. It took me month before buying the figure from a friend of mine who already got the Takara version. As you know the story about Jetfire (or Skyfire) that he was once a Decepticon and Starscream is his bestfriend and fellow scientist in the team. He disappeared after a mishap in an expedition lead by starscream himself. He was later found by the Decepticons covered in ice on Earth as what the cartoon states and from then on everything is history. Now on to the figure itself.
The alt mode is impressive for its size. It gives you those good ol days of scale model planes that you want floating stationary in your room with a nylon string attached, looking impressive in mid flight. The feel of the plastic is very Hasbro-ish with the addition of red chrome armor and guns included in the box. He looks menacing with all the extra weapons and armor on him. I’m fond of everything transformers considering they “chromed” some of the add on parts just to make it stand out more, but the alt mode is a sight to behold. I love the fighter mode. Its a very solid alt mode to be exact and Hasbro took it two steps further on the design to created their own (well not entirely theirs as Takara does research and design). The fact is that the G1 Jetfire was based on the exact mold Macross’ Veritech Fighters (VF) are and in the cartoons Jetfire was more like a Cybertronian Jetcruiser (talk about identity crisis). That’s why if you try to check out G1 Jetfire figure online you might as well search for the name Macross Re-tool when your at it. Transformation is a bit complicated for a child as all that bulk and mass is covered overall by the alt mode. There are parts that you have to fit on those nooks and crannies the alt mode has. Mind you that the figure itself resembles the G1 version with all the sleek and futuristic styling of modern day aircrafts. Amazing isn’t it even there are parts and limbs that are pretty hollow which is considered “normal” for official standards. Ratcheting parts, arm swivels, and kibble are great but the hand swivel is what is lacking which would do great for doing awesome poses (photography wise). Other than that it is a great representation of what Jetfire would look like in the 20th century.
The verdict? A proper but not a mediocre looking figure with an awesome alt mode. May there be minor flaws and that chromed artillery pods still Jetfire is Jetfire! Why else would you pass up this guy? Besides, now that the new line from Hasbro has hitting the shelves of every toy store you go to, you may regret it when he’s all gone (except online of course). So do yourself a favor and add him up to your collection. Seriously.
Score: 8.5/10
